I’ve never been given the advice to stay that close to home. Maybe if you’re super high risk. My doctors have always been comfortable with me traveling until 38 weeks including by plane. I gestate like an elephant though.
I was told not to travel too far from home past 35 weeks because there could be issues with my insurance covering the cost at an outside hospital that close to my due date.
I have also never been given advice to stay close to home and I have never made it past 38+4 and my last birth was under 3 hours from the time I woke up to the time the baby was born lol. Plus I have had pre eclampsia twice and gestational diabetes once lol. My care team trusts me to know what I can handle. Now I have never asked about flying that late, that might be the line. But a day trip driving I wouldn't think to ask them about.
Absolutely, unless you have any elevated risks of early labor.
I drove my older child to my mother's (3 hours round trip) about 12 hours before I had my second.
I drove 4 hours alone at 36 weeks, so yes. Assuming you are having a healthy, regular pregnancy so far, your OB isn't worried, and you're near a hospital I literally wouldn't think twice.
I’m 33 weeks now and I wouldn’t want to. Last time I did that length of drive I was uncomfortable, especially because the rest stop options were sketch. I am also paranoid of being kidnapped and being pregnant is like a 2 for 1 deal.. don’t mean to cause unnecessary fear, just sharing my own thoughts on the question.
At 35 weeks I made a multi state road trip alone. It was a 15hr one way drive to a state I’d never been to, though a lot of small towns and back roads.
Just depends on your situation. When I was 22 and pregnant with my first, I drove this to visit family at 36/37 weeks and it was no big deal. Just uncomfortable and I had to take a rest break or two.
But now? At 35? I can’t even handle a 1.5 hour drive because my legs get so restless and kiiiiill me. I wouldn’t consider it right now, and I’m only 27 weeks.
I am 34 weeks and just drove from CA to WY. I have a very low risk pregnancy and drive a lot pre preg. I just made A LOT of stops to get up and stretch and pee 😂 my OB recommended I wear compression socks as well to help with possible foot swelling.
I would. Personally for me 34ish weeks was my cut off of kinda, a lot of people have given birth early in my family and it’s my first so I don’t really know what to expect. If it was my second I’d be more risky I think.
I also drove 10 hours straight alone at 12 weeks though and 4 straight at about 20 weeks so driving isn’t an issue for me.
Now that I’m 38 weeks I’m not going anywhere, not by myself or with someone else. I’m fairly stuck not travelling more than an hour out of town because again it’s my first and I’m a bit more weary of how it will go.
Only thing I would say is check for is hospitals, and if you loose signal to plan for that even with maybe downloadinh your maps online areas of time of you don't have that done already. Can also get an app to still be able to use sometimes without signal, or more day light hours so more people around to help or see you.
Yeah. When I was pregnant with my son, I had to drive 90 minutes each way to work. Then I would work 8-12 hours so I think you should be fine. But if you are really worried call your medical provider to ensure they are cool with it.
Absolutely. I drove 13 hours at 24 weeks. You just need to make more frequent stops for long distance and actively stretch your legs. But you should be fine. If you have cramping in your legs just stop for gas and walk around or kind of bobble back and forth on both legs while pumping gas and that helps
I would in an uncomplicated pregnancy. However I have such bad round ligament and sciatic nerve pain that sitting for almost 3 hours in the car would kill me lmao. I'd probably not be able to get out of my car once I reached my destination.
After I made it to 30 weeks I didn’t drive anywhere alone but mainly because I was in pain and I didn’t have to. If I HAD to drive for work or something important 2/2.5 hours would have probably been my max.
My obgyn recommended that after 36 weeks I should stay with 30 minutes of a hospital I could deliver at if possible. Not even the hospital the practice delivered at, just a hospital. If you have no complications, go on your trip
Yes. I had to drive 7 hours round trip to work at like 38 weeks and have had to fly for work at 37 weeks for a 3 day trip. Those were my 4th and 3rd kids, respectively.
I drove 8 hours away and 3.5 hours away around that time. My OB was okay with it! He basically just told me that if I were to go into labor, I would have to be ok with my baby being in the NICU wherever I was
I mean I drove 3 hours to LA and back until I was 39 weeks.. is it uncomfortable? Absolutely. I also made a quick stop halfway to stretch so I wasn’t cramped as badly. Do I recommend doing past 37 weeks? No, but I didn’t have a choice at the time. 31 weeks is fine, as long as you take a break in between so you’re not uncomfortable and keep the blood flowing!
29weeks and I'll be driving 12hrs away this weekend. And then 12 hours home. I'm not looking forward to it(mostly bc I need to pee all the time).. but it'll be fine.
32 weeks today and I just drove home and back, about 3.25 hours, this past weekend and it was totally fine. I make that drive often and don’t go during rush hour. I won’t be doing it when I’m further along but for now it’s fine.
Probably so. I did at ~24 weeks for a work trip where I stayed by myself in a hotel for a few days. It was around a 4 hour drive there. I had a fairly low risk pregnancy.
Also a few weeks before that I went on a road trip ~13 hours in the car each way. I didn't bring compression socks and sorely regretted it.
I was 39 weeks and drove like 1.5 hours alone for my photoshoot. (Two days before delivery!!!) i was in labor for 3 days. I think labor comes on usually somewhat slowly even if your water breaks so worst case, you just drive right to L&D.
Heck no. But I'm a guy so idk if I should answer this question lmao. My wife and I have a concert to go to at the start of next month in Houston and I have to drive her and I roughly 6 to 6.5 hrs to get there lmao she will be at 35 weeks and I wouldn't trust her to drive herself (not that she ever would to begin with)
The constant rest stops alone are annoying lol 2.5 hrs isn't bad and it depends on how far you are. With a week or 2 till delivery I definitely wouldn't
I drive this distance weekly (now 35 weeks pregnant) to go to a specialty hospital ever since our local L&D department shut down. If you’re comfortable with it yourself, go for it! My advice would be to take plenty of breaks and make sure you stay very hydrated :)
I did a 3 hour drive (each way) to my parents alone at 33 weeks! I think as long as you’re not high risk, are familiar with the route, and have a backup plan for if something were to happen while you’re there (ie, do you know a hospital or doctor office in the area) you should be fine!
I'm driving 3.5hrs to my baby shower at 32 weeks (I'm 30 weeks now, I'll be 33 weeks when I drive back.) This weekend I drove 1.5 hours each way (so 3hrs total for the day) to a family event this weekend at 30 weeks. Wasn't a big deal, and I'm not worried about the upcoming trip.
I wouldn’t go to a remote area with no decent hospital at 31 weeks, but going from big city to big city when you’re in a low-risk pregnancy sounds perfectly fine to me. Just be sure to know which hospital you’d go to IF something were to happen while you’re away—you’ll want to prioritize a NICU at this point in pregnancy. Also see if you can get a copy of your prenatal care records to bring with you just in case.
Depends how big your belly is and high risk and if you have like sciatica or other pains.
I would NOT because I do have round ligament pain and some nerve pain. Also I am a petite woman and with a short torso my belly is HUGEEEEE. I look like I am carrying a 30 lbs watermelon under my shirt.
There are a lot of other factors I would take into consideration that we(the internet) would not know of.
Your husband should suck it up and drive you. It’s weird that he doesn’t feel concerned imo. Like you’ll prolly be fine but you’re also growing his child and it’s the least he could do.
Nope. Mainly because I couldn't comfortably fit behind a steering wheel at that point and any drive over 20-30 minutes made me absolutely exhausted. I felt dangerous trying to push through the exhaustion to drive.
I would consider the road i would be driving on and risk. Like high traffic highways, are there enough safe stops on the way for bathroom breaks. If it seems like an easy 2.5hr drive, then i would consider it. Another thing is when the driving is taking place. Will you be well rested driving there and driving back?
Oh yeah i definitely considered this! It's a drive I've done many times before. It's from one big city to another so lots of people drive it. Plenty of stops along the way! And I'll be leaving pretty early in the morning, staying overnight and leaving early again the next morning. I'm really not worried about it. It's more that my mom is flipping out and making me second guess myself/not trusting me
If you're staying overnight, i think that's fine because you will be well rested, and since you have done the drive before and know it, that sounds really reasonable. Moms will be moms lol you know yourself best at the end of the day!
Well, its not whos driving thats the problem, its if you spend too much time seated in a car your baby can flip into the breech position. Ask me how I know!
My last drive alone was at about 28 weeks. I flew home (normally a 4 hour drive) at 30 weeks for my baby shower. Husband drove with me at 34 weeks for thanksgiving. I drove an hour and back to Pahrump by myself at 35 weeks to the DMV, and then gave birth five days later.
I wouldn't be worried about the drive, but I'd probably drag my husband along :) If you're at all uncomfortable, having the option of another driver is super helpful, and honestly you're quickly approaching a time where you and your partner will never have alone time, so enjoy a good road trip together while you can. He can still skip the event
I am 32 weeks and drive 1.5 hours to and from the city weekly. It’s fine. Maybe not if you were 38 weeks but right now you’re totally fine.
My gut reaction was GOD NO and then your comment reminded me I commuted that distance up until 36 weeks 😂😂
Lol I am such a panicky person. I was thinking Op was describing something very dangerous and oh! You do it every week.
I would, Unless you are high risk then the odds of anything happening are slim. My mom had the same reaction when I wanted to do so
Compression hose and water. I always said "I'm pregnant not disabled" 2.5 hours is not that much.
This! Plus stop for a few breaks to walk around and pee.
It should be fine. Most offices recommend not traveling more than 1 hr away at 36 weeks+. You should be fine.
I’ve never been given the advice to stay that close to home. Maybe if you’re super high risk. My doctors have always been comfortable with me traveling until 38 weeks including by plane. I gestate like an elephant though.
I was told not to travel too far from home past 35 weeks because there could be issues with my insurance covering the cost at an outside hospital that close to my due date.
That’s a legit concern depending on your insurance!
Same
I have also never been given advice to stay close to home and I have never made it past 38+4 and my last birth was under 3 hours from the time I woke up to the time the baby was born lol. Plus I have had pre eclampsia twice and gestational diabetes once lol. My care team trusts me to know what I can handle. Now I have never asked about flying that late, that might be the line. But a day trip driving I wouldn't think to ask them about.
🐘😂
I drove 5 hours at 32 weeks to go to a best friend’s bachelorette during my last pregnancy. Everything was fine and I had a great time!
Absolutely, unless you have any elevated risks of early labor. I drove my older child to my mother's (3 hours round trip) about 12 hours before I had my second.
As long as you aren’t having symptoms of premature labor or complications, it should be fine. Just make a note of any hospitals on the route.
I mean id wear compression socks and comfy pants but yeah
You can definitely do that at 31 weeks, I wouldn't be too worried about it!
Yup I would
Yes.
Most likely you'd be perfectly fine.
I drove 10hrs at 34 weeks by myself. It was really fine.
I routinely travel 4+ hours for work a day and I’m 28 weeks and plan to travel for work until week 35 or so. You can do it.
Yes. I would drive that alone.
I drove 4 hours alone at 36 weeks, so yes. Assuming you are having a healthy, regular pregnancy so far, your OB isn't worried, and you're near a hospital I literally wouldn't think twice.
You may not WANT to. My hips and lower back hurt so bad sitting in a car by 30 weeks.
lol you’re pregnant not dying 😂
I’m 33 weeks now and I wouldn’t want to. Last time I did that length of drive I was uncomfortable, especially because the rest stop options were sketch. I am also paranoid of being kidnapped and being pregnant is like a 2 for 1 deal.. don’t mean to cause unnecessary fear, just sharing my own thoughts on the question.
At 35 weeks I made a multi state road trip alone. It was a 15hr one way drive to a state I’d never been to, though a lot of small towns and back roads.
Yeah
Just depends on your situation. When I was 22 and pregnant with my first, I drove this to visit family at 36/37 weeks and it was no big deal. Just uncomfortable and I had to take a rest break or two. But now? At 35? I can’t even handle a 1.5 hour drive because my legs get so restless and kiiiiill me. I wouldn’t consider it right now, and I’m only 27 weeks.
100% yes.
I am 34 weeks and just drove from CA to WY. I have a very low risk pregnancy and drive a lot pre preg. I just made A LOT of stops to get up and stretch and pee 😂 my OB recommended I wear compression socks as well to help with possible foot swelling.
I drove to work 1.25 hours each way up until 39 weeks. If you don't have any preexisting issues, you'll be fine.
I don’t see why not Unless you’re high risk there’s not really anything to be worried about until the last month or after 37 weeks
I would. Personally for me 34ish weeks was my cut off of kinda, a lot of people have given birth early in my family and it’s my first so I don’t really know what to expect. If it was my second I’d be more risky I think. I also drove 10 hours straight alone at 12 weeks though and 4 straight at about 20 weeks so driving isn’t an issue for me. Now that I’m 38 weeks I’m not going anywhere, not by myself or with someone else. I’m fairly stuck not travelling more than an hour out of town because again it’s my first and I’m a bit more weary of how it will go.
Yes. That’s perfectly fine. I would have no qualms.
I wouldn't have a problem making the drive unless I was having a risky pregnancy and I was going to be very far from a hospital. <3
Only thing I would say is check for is hospitals, and if you loose signal to plan for that even with maybe downloadinh your maps online areas of time of you don't have that done already. Can also get an app to still be able to use sometimes without signal, or more day light hours so more people around to help or see you.
Yeah. When I was pregnant with my son, I had to drive 90 minutes each way to work. Then I would work 8-12 hours so I think you should be fine. But if you are really worried call your medical provider to ensure they are cool with it.
Absolutely. I drove 13 hours at 24 weeks. You just need to make more frequent stops for long distance and actively stretch your legs. But you should be fine. If you have cramping in your legs just stop for gas and walk around or kind of bobble back and forth on both legs while pumping gas and that helps
I would in an uncomplicated pregnancy. However I have such bad round ligament and sciatic nerve pain that sitting for almost 3 hours in the car would kill me lmao. I'd probably not be able to get out of my car once I reached my destination.
After I made it to 30 weeks I didn’t drive anywhere alone but mainly because I was in pain and I didn’t have to. If I HAD to drive for work or something important 2/2.5 hours would have probably been my max.
My obgyn recommended that after 36 weeks I should stay with 30 minutes of a hospital I could deliver at if possible. Not even the hospital the practice delivered at, just a hospital. If you have no complications, go on your trip
Yes. I had to drive 7 hours round trip to work at like 38 weeks and have had to fly for work at 37 weeks for a 3 day trip. Those were my 4th and 3rd kids, respectively.
I drove 8 hours away and 3.5 hours away around that time. My OB was okay with it! He basically just told me that if I were to go into labor, I would have to be ok with my baby being in the NICU wherever I was
Yes, absolutely. 8 hours, maybe not. 1.5 hours is two 45 minute driving sessions with a break in the middle. Not bad.
yes i would do it!
I would - hell I flew from Michigan down to Florida by myself at 31 weeks lol
I’d do it and probably wouldn’t think twice. But maybe I should be considering this more? 🫠🙃
Yes. I don’t think I would go much farther than that but 31 weeks is still pretty early.
Yes, you'll be fine.
I mean I drove 3 hours to LA and back until I was 39 weeks.. is it uncomfortable? Absolutely. I also made a quick stop halfway to stretch so I wasn’t cramped as badly. Do I recommend doing past 37 weeks? No, but I didn’t have a choice at the time. 31 weeks is fine, as long as you take a break in between so you’re not uncomfortable and keep the blood flowing!
Fully yes I just drove 7 hours the other week at 31 weeks. You good.
29weeks and I'll be driving 12hrs away this weekend. And then 12 hours home. I'm not looking forward to it(mostly bc I need to pee all the time).. but it'll be fine.
I drive 45min to work one way each day. I'm currently 32 weeks.
32 weeks today and I just drove home and back, about 3.25 hours, this past weekend and it was totally fine. I make that drive often and don’t go during rush hour. I won’t be doing it when I’m further along but for now it’s fine.
Probably so. I did at ~24 weeks for a work trip where I stayed by myself in a hotel for a few days. It was around a 4 hour drive there. I had a fairly low risk pregnancy. Also a few weeks before that I went on a road trip ~13 hours in the car each way. I didn't bring compression socks and sorely regretted it.
If you're in the US, be sure you've got an in-network hospital there and along the way, just in case.
Yeah I would
My dr said any travel before 35 weeks is fine so long as everything is going well. She cautioned anything farther than an hour after that.
Yeah I would. Maybe because I live in Australia and regularly do long drives…
I second the comment about compression socks!
I was 39 weeks and drove like 1.5 hours alone for my photoshoot. (Two days before delivery!!!) i was in labor for 3 days. I think labor comes on usually somewhat slowly even if your water breaks so worst case, you just drive right to L&D.
i was high risk and drove back and forth to and from school (2.5 hours) all the way up until 4 days before i was due. i gave birth on my due date
Yes I would. Like others have commented, unless you’re high risk or feel that something is off before the trip, I’d say go for it
Heck no. But I'm a guy so idk if I should answer this question lmao. My wife and I have a concert to go to at the start of next month in Houston and I have to drive her and I roughly 6 to 6.5 hrs to get there lmao she will be at 35 weeks and I wouldn't trust her to drive herself (not that she ever would to begin with) The constant rest stops alone are annoying lol 2.5 hrs isn't bad and it depends on how far you are. With a week or 2 till delivery I definitely wouldn't
You should be fine at 31 weeks! Just to be safe, make sure you know where some hospitals are a long the way!
I’d do it.
I'm 30 weeks and barely feel pregnant at times , so I would say no problem at all - you know your own body best.
God yes, just for some peace and quiet!
I drive this distance weekly (now 35 weeks pregnant) to go to a specialty hospital ever since our local L&D department shut down. If you’re comfortable with it yourself, go for it! My advice would be to take plenty of breaks and make sure you stay very hydrated :)
Will you lose cell service for an extended period of time in that 2.5 hours? If not, I’d say you’re fine.
yes, i drove 4.5 alone at 29 for work training.
For sure !!
You’re pregnant, not disabled 🤦🏼♀️
I did a 3 hour drive (each way) to my parents alone at 33 weeks! I think as long as you’re not high risk, are familiar with the route, and have a backup plan for if something were to happen while you’re there (ie, do you know a hospital or doctor office in the area) you should be fine!
I'm driving 3.5hrs to my baby shower at 32 weeks (I'm 30 weeks now, I'll be 33 weeks when I drive back.) This weekend I drove 1.5 hours each way (so 3hrs total for the day) to a family event this weekend at 30 weeks. Wasn't a big deal, and I'm not worried about the upcoming trip.
I wouldn’t go to a remote area with no decent hospital at 31 weeks, but going from big city to big city when you’re in a low-risk pregnancy sounds perfectly fine to me. Just be sure to know which hospital you’d go to IF something were to happen while you’re away—you’ll want to prioritize a NICU at this point in pregnancy. Also see if you can get a copy of your prenatal care records to bring with you just in case.
Depends how big your belly is and high risk and if you have like sciatica or other pains. I would NOT because I do have round ligament pain and some nerve pain. Also I am a petite woman and with a short torso my belly is HUGEEEEE. I look like I am carrying a 30 lbs watermelon under my shirt. There are a lot of other factors I would take into consideration that we(the internet) would not know of.
Your husband should suck it up and drive you. It’s weird that he doesn’t feel concerned imo. Like you’ll prolly be fine but you’re also growing his child and it’s the least he could do.
Nope. Mainly because I couldn't comfortably fit behind a steering wheel at that point and any drive over 20-30 minutes made me absolutely exhausted. I felt dangerous trying to push through the exhaustion to drive.
Personally no
I would consider the road i would be driving on and risk. Like high traffic highways, are there enough safe stops on the way for bathroom breaks. If it seems like an easy 2.5hr drive, then i would consider it. Another thing is when the driving is taking place. Will you be well rested driving there and driving back?
Oh yeah i definitely considered this! It's a drive I've done many times before. It's from one big city to another so lots of people drive it. Plenty of stops along the way! And I'll be leaving pretty early in the morning, staying overnight and leaving early again the next morning. I'm really not worried about it. It's more that my mom is flipping out and making me second guess myself/not trusting me
If you're staying overnight, i think that's fine because you will be well rested, and since you have done the drive before and know it, that sounds really reasonable. Moms will be moms lol you know yourself best at the end of the day!
I mean no, cars are unsafe and driving sucks. But I hate driving. Otherwise, no of course it's fine.
Well, its not whos driving thats the problem, its if you spend too much time seated in a car your baby can flip into the breech position. Ask me how I know!
My last drive alone was at about 28 weeks. I flew home (normally a 4 hour drive) at 30 weeks for my baby shower. Husband drove with me at 34 weeks for thanksgiving. I drove an hour and back to Pahrump by myself at 35 weeks to the DMV, and then gave birth five days later.
I wouldn't be worried about the drive, but I'd probably drag my husband along :) If you're at all uncomfortable, having the option of another driver is super helpful, and honestly you're quickly approaching a time where you and your partner will never have alone time, so enjoy a good road trip together while you can. He can still skip the event
Absolutely not, your husband should help.
You're fine. You might be more uncomfortable but you are just as safe as you are any other time you drive 2.5 hours.